Freezing tray



May 23, 1950 I R HOBSON 2,509,000 I 0 FREEZING TRAY Fild May 28, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor: Robert R. Hobson His Attorneg.

M y 1950 R. R. HOBSON 2,509,000

FREEZING TRAY Filed May 28, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor: Robert R. Hobson,

b 5 wTe c/g His Attorneg.

May 23, 1950 R. R. HOBSON 2,509,000

' FREEZING TRAY Filed May 28, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inventor: Robert R. Hobson,

His Attorneg.

form of small blocks or cubes.

of the ice.

Patented May 23, 1950 FREEZING TRAY Robert R. Hobson, Erie, Pa., assignor toGcneral Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application May 28, 1947, Serial No. 750,992

12 Claims. (01. 62-1085) My invention relates to freezing trays employed in refrigerating machines for the production of ice blocks and more particularly to arrangements for releasing the ice blocks.

Many types of refrigerating apparatus, particularly apparatus for household use, are provided with freezing trays for producing ice. Pars titions are commonly provided in such freezing trays in order to divide the tray into a number of small compartments for freezing ice in the It is desirable to effect the release of the ice blocks from the partitions and from the traywithout the necessity of thawing, which would resultin a loss of some to be able to remove small groups of ice blocks .without being required to release all of the ice blocks in the tray.

It is an object of my invention to provide a partition assembly for freezing trays comprising a plurality of partition elements forming a plu- :rallty of ice block compartmentsv and including .an improved arrangement for retaining the par.- tition elements in assembled relation and for proved arrangement for positioning the handle to remove any desired ice block or blocks.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds, and the features of novelty which characterize my invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to an or in a pa of th s p cific t o For a better understanding of my invention referfince may be had to, the accompanying draw- .ings in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a freezing tray and a partition assembly embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal elevation view partly in section;- Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the tray and partition assembly shown inrFig. 2; Fig. 4 is a plan view I partly broken away of a portion of the tray and partition assembly; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-445 of Fi 4; Fig. 6 is a plan View partially broken away of a modified It is also advantageous for the user form of my invention showing an alternative arrangement for mounting the partition assem; bly in the tray; Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation View of the modified form shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is an enlarged view showing a detail of the construction illustrated in Fig. '7; Fig. 9 is a per--. spective view partially broken away, showing de-. tails of the arrangement of Fig. 6 for mounting the partition assembly on the tray; Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation view of a modified form of my invention; Fig. 11 is a plan view partially broken away of a portion of the freezing tray shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional elevation view of a portion of the tray of Fig. 10; Fig. 13 is an enlarged view showing details of the tray of Fig. 10; 14 is a sectional elevation view of another modified form of my invention; Fig. 15 is a plan view partially broken away of the freezing tray shown in Fig, 14; Fig. 16 is. an end elevation view of the tray of Fig. 14; Fig. 17 is a transverse sectional view, taken along the line ll-I! of Fig. 14; and Fig. 18 is an enlarged view showing details of a portion of the freezing tray of Fig. 14.

Briefly, the freezing tray illustrated in the drawings includes a shallow tray and a partition assembly removably mounted in the tray to pro vide a plurality of ice block compartments. The tray and partition assembly preferably are com.- posed of a material having a surface which mini.- mizes the tendency of the ice to adhere. For example, when the tray and partition assembly are made of aluminum, it is a common practice to minimize such adherence by anodizing the aluminum and coating it with a high melting point wax. The partition assembly is composed of a plurality of transverse partition elements and a plurality of longitudinal partition elements all assembled on a shaft extending longitudinally of the tray near the top thereof. The longitudinal partition elements are arranged for swing-- ins movement about the shaft, and either a direct acting handle or a handle and various camming devices may be provided to swing the longitudinal partition elements in order to effect mechanical release of one Or more ice blocks.

Referring to Fig. l of the drawings, I have shown a rectangular freezing tray I and a removable partition assembly 2. The partition assembly includes a plurality of transverse separators or partition elements 3 and a plurality of longitudinal separators or partition elements 4.

Both the transverse and the longitudinal separators are assembled on a shaft 5 which extends lon itu nally of the. t ay and s m nt n re- 3 cesses 6 formed in each end of the tray near the rim thereof.

Referring in further detail to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the transverse separators 3 and the longitudinal separators 4 are mounted alternately along the length of the shaft. In order to retain the separators on the shaft a washer l is mounted on the shaft to bear against the extreme left longitudinal separator, and a collar 8 is secured to the end of the shaft to form a stop for the washer; at the opposite end the shaft is provided with a second washer 9 which is arranged to fit in a groove in the shaft, and the shaft is then peened over, as shown at ill.

The partition assembly is arranged within the tray so that it may be readily removed therefrom when desired. This is accomplished by providing a sleeve I I, slidably mounted on the right end of the shaft as shown in detail in Fig. 3; This sleeve is biased toward the end of the shaft by a coil spring l2 which bears at one end against the adjacent transverse separator and at the other end against the sleeve l i. The coil spring surrounds the shaft and fits within a bore l3 extending through the extreme right longitudinal separator, indicated at I 3. The sleeve H is provided with a radially extending portion i5 which is arranged to bear against the washer 9 to limit the movement of the sleeve under the bias of the spring 2. The sleeve further includes a longitudinally extending reverse bent portion I6 which, in the assembled position of the partition assembly, is arranged to fit within the recess 6. In order that the sleeve may be moved to effect release of the partition assembly from'the tray the sleeve includes a radially extending flange I! which projects above the top of the tray in a position readily accessible to the user. To remove the partition assembly from the tray the user-presses against the flange l1 moving the sleeve l I to the left against the bias of the spring l2. This shifts the portion iii of the sleeve I I beyond the recess 6 and allows the removal. of the entire partition assembly from the tray. In order to provide for the assembling of the separators on the shaft each separator is provided witha suitable bore 18, which is of substantially the same diameter as the shaft. The extreme right longitudinal separator I4 is provided with a bore 'i3 of slightly larger diameter than the bore 18 of the remaining separators to accommodate the sleeve l i and the spring [2 between the shaft and the separator.

The mechanical release of the ice blocks from the tray and partition assembly is effected by swin ing the longitudinal separators, and a handle assembly is provided for swinging these separators. This handle assembly includes a slidable element l9, arranged to selectively engage the longitudinal separators, and a handle 30. The handle swings about a pin '2 from a position extending longitudinally of the tray, as shown by the solid lines in Fig. 2, to an elevated position extending upwardly from the tray, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 2. In the position extending longitudinally in the tray, which position the handle occupies during the freezing of the ice blocks, the handle rests on the top surface of the longitudinal separators. In order fto prevent condensed moisture or spilled water from freezing solidly between the handle and the lofrgitudinal separators and rendering difficult the shifting of the handle to the elevated position, tn ehandle is provided with a plurality of indentatiibfi Mi each of the indentations being arranged to support the handle on a longitudinal separator and to leave a space between the remainder of the handle and the separator. In this way the area of contact between the handle and the longitudinal separators is minimized, and the effort required to break the handle loose for shifting to the elevated position is correspondingly minimized. Although the handle has been illustrated as part of the assembled tray, it will be apparent that the handle can be arranged for use separate from the assembly so that one handle may be employed with several trays.

Referring to Figs. 4. and 5, it can be seen that the longitudinal separators are provided with a partition or wall portion 23 extending downwardly from the shaft 5 on which the separators are mounted. This portion 23 may be tapered, as shown in Fig. 5, if desired. The upper portion of the longitudinal separators is suitably shaped to provide for engagement with the handle. Thus, above the shaft 5 the longitudinal separators areprovided with a portion 24 extending laterally from the vertical axis of the separator. This portion 24 includes a top surface '25 on which the indentations 22 of the handle rest and two lips 26 and 27 which are arranged for engagement by the slidable element l9. Since the longitudinal separators are all of similar T-shaped construction and are arranged on the straight shaft 5, the portions 24 are in substantial alignment along the length of the tray. The portions 24 thereby serve as guides along which the slidable element l9 may be moved for positioning in engagement with any selected one of the longitudinal separators. The slidable element I9 is provided with two inwardly extending portions or lips 28 and 29 which are arranged below the lips 26 and 21 of the longitudinal separators for maintaining the slidable element in engagement with the longitudinal separators.

In addition to its use in effecting release of the ice blocks from the tray the handle assembly also serves to align the longitudinal separators when the tray is filled with water for freezing. By

5-, moving the slidable element IQ of the handle assembly along the length of the tray in engagement with the portions 24 of the longitudinal separators, the various longitudinal separators can be brought into substantially vertical position and into angular alignment with each other. In order to facilitate the movement of the slidable element 19 along the longitudinal separators,

these separators may be chamfered at each end as shown at 29a. The chamfered construction is particularly useful during the initial alignment of the separators preparatory to freezing, since the longitudinal separators may at that time be somewhat askew.

The operation of the freezing tray to effect release of ice blocks is illustrated in Fig. 5. When ice blocks are desired, the handle 20 is lifted from its solid line position shown in Fig. 2, and the slidable element I9 is moved along the aligned guide portions 24 of the longitudinal separators to a position in engagement with the separator adjacent the ice block or blocks which it is desired to release. The handle is then shifted to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 2, which corresponds to the central position of the handle shown in Fig. 5, wherein the handle is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the ice. The handle is then moved in a plane transverse of the tray either to the left or to the right, for example, to the position shown by the dotted lines 30. This causes a swinging of the selected longitudinal separator about the shaft to the position shown by the dotted lines 3|. Since the transverse separators are maintained substantially stationary, this swinging of the 1on-, gitudinal separator results in a relative move! ment between the longitudinal separator and the transverse separators adjacent thereto and a consequent shearing of the ice blocks from the transverse separators. Since the longitudinal separator, of course, also moves relative to the tray the left-hand ice block is released from the tray during this swinging movement of the handle and the longitudinal separatorf Moreover, since the portion 23 of the longitudinal sfiparator normally flexes slightly during this swinging movement the ice block is also broken free from the longitudinal separator. As the handle is swung in a, clockwise direction the ice block is movedupwardly from its compartment for removal from the tray. To release the ice block which is positioned adjacent the opposite side of the longitudinal separator the handle is then swung in a counterclockwise direction to the position shown by the dotted lines 32, the separator being correspondingly moved to the position shown by the dotted lines 33. It will be noted that prior to the swinging of the handle from the position 38 to the position 32 the ice block positioned to the right or the longitudinal separator has already been freed from the longitudinal separator, since this separator has been broken loose from the relatively stationary righthand ioe block during the movement of the separator to the position 3|. The movement of the handle to the position 33 results in a shearing of the ice block; from the adjacent trans verse separators and from the tray in the same manner as previously described in connection with the left-hand ice block. Further, in any case where there may have been insufficient flexing ofthe longitudinal separator in moving to the position 3| to loosen the left-hand ice block from the separator, this ice block will be forcibly broken loose as the separator is moved tothe position 33.

Although not necessary for the satisfactory operation of the tray, the transverse separators may be tapered from the center toward the sides of the tray, as shown in Fig. 4 and they may also be tapered from the bottom toward the topedges, as shown in Fig. 2, in order to further iaoilitate the release of the ice blocks and the shifting of the ice blocks transversely of the tray it will be seen that this provides a greater distance between adjacent transverse separators at the outer edges of the tray and at the top than at the central portion thereof; in other words, the separators are tapered to rilfi li fil a progressively larger opening in the direction in which the ice blocks. are moved, whioh minimizes any bi din of t e. locks. a d ci t s hei e se. and rem aln o der o pre ent he bin in the ce o ks ain t th de o h t ay. h s s r l ned o twa d a shown in H s- 5. s t a th d stanc i on he sha t 5 o the sides f. t e ra pro r s ve y inc ease fr m he. bot om t t e top o h ydl hcu h a t omp r men s a een l trat d of he same size. it l be ap t a compartments of different sizes can be provided hy merely varying the length of the longitudinal separato s between adjacent transverse separators. Since my arrangement permits any ice hloclg to be selected for removal, the provision of compartments of different sizes would enable an ice block or any desired size to be removed from the tray. It will also be apparent, that, although all of the longitudinal separators have. been illustrated as separate elements, one or more adjacent longitudinal separators may be connected, if desired, so as to operate simul: taneously to remove a plurality of adjacent ice blocks with a single operation of the handle.

The details illustrated in Figs. 6, through 9 are modifications of the structure shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, and corresponding parts have been designated by the same numerals. The modifications illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive relate to alternative arrangements for retaining the separators on the shaft and for detachably retaining the partition assembly in the tray. In order to hold the separators in assembled relaa tion on the shaft 5; a spring clip 34, is arranged to slide over the end of the shaft and to snapinto a groove 35 provided in theshaft 5. The clip 34 includes flexible lips'36 and 3,1 surrounding an opening 38 in the clip, and these lips flex sum-- ciently to permit the clip to be forced over the end of the shaft and into engagement with the; groove 35. The clip further includes resilient inwardly bent portions as and 49 which are arranged to bear against an adjacent longi! tudinal separator 4. Although this assembling arrangement has been illustrated at only one end of the shaft, a corresponding arrangement is pro.- vided 'at the other end, and the resilient force exerted by the two clips forces the longitudinal and transverse separators mounted on the shaft into a unitary assembly. Further, since the transverse separators and the longitudinal sep.-. arators are provided with a substantial area of flat surface surrounding and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bores through these separators, the pressure of the clips 34 in force ing the separators against one another assists in maintaining the transverse separators sub-v stantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tray.

The partition assembly is detachably mounted on the tray by the provision of recesses in the rim of the tray for receiving the ends of the shaft and the provision of slidable retainers associated with the recesses. An indentation or recess 6a is formed in each end of the tray, the recess being open at the'top for the reception of the shaft 5. slidable retainers 41 are provided at each end of the tray in engagement with the rim of the tray, indicated at 42. These retainers are slidable along the rim transversely of the tray to close or expose the top opening in each of the recesses Each retainer is provided with suitable ears 4% and 44 at opposite ends thereof. To remove the partition assembly from the tray the retainers are moved by pressure exerted against one or the other of the ears toward a side of the tray to expose the top openingof the recesses 6a. When the assembly is again place in the tray the retainers are slid trans-1 versely to cover the openings in the recesses 6g and maintain the assembly in position Within th tray. Although I have shown and described a tray in which recesses to at both ends of the tray are open at the top for reception of the shaft, it will be apparent that only oneoi these recesses need be open at the top and, in such case,-only one retainer 4| is required.

An alternative form of freezing tray is shown in Figs. 10 through 13. Parts corresponding to those used in the trays illustrated in the previous 7 figures have been designated by the same numerals. In this 'alternativeform-the swinging of the longitudinal separators for the release of ice blocks is accomplished through the use of cams positioned for engagementwith the longitudinal separators. These cams are keyed on a second shaft which is arranged substantially parallel to the shaft which supports the separators, so that rotation of the second shaft by a suitable handle effects release of ice blocks.

Referring now to Fig. 10, a plurality of transverse separators or partition elements 3a and a plurality of longitudinal separators or partition elements 4a are alternately arranged on a shaft 5 to form a partition assembly. A sleeve Ha is provided on one end of the shaft 5, and a coil spring 12 is arranged to bias the sleeve Ha into engagement with a recess 6 of the tray, the extent'of the movement of the sleeve under this spring bias being limited by the head of a screw 45 whi ch is threaded into the end of the shaft 5. To effect removal of the partition assembly from the tray an upwardly extending operating arm 4512, which is arranged on the sleeve Ha and is brazed or otherwise suitably bonded thereto, is moved to the left to shift the sleeve in a manner similar to that previously described in con-- nection with Figs. 1-5.

Referring now to Figs. 11 and 12, each of the transverse separators 3a are provided with a lower opening for assembly on the shaft 5 and an upper opening through which a shaft 46 extends, the shaft 46 extending longitudinally of the tray substantially parallel to the shaft 5. Each of the longitudinal separators 40, includes a partition or wall portion 41 extending downwardly from the shaft 5. Each of the longitudinal separators is shaped for engagement with a cam positioned adjacent thereto. Thus, a portion of each of the longitudinal separators extends above the shaft 5, and this portion includes three teeth 48, a full tooth at the center and a partial tooth at each side. In order to effect a swinging movement of the longitudinal separators for release of ice blocks a plurality of cams 49 are arranged along the shaft 46, one of the cams being mounted above each of the longitudinal separators 4a, the cams being properly spaced by the transverse separators. Each of the earns 49 includes two teeth 50, 5| which are similar in shape to the teeth 48 provided on the longitudinal separators 4a. The shaft 46 is of square crosssection and fits in similarly shaped openings in the cams 49 so that it provides a direct drive for the cams. The shaft and cam assembly may, if desired, be formed in any other suitable manner to provide camming surfaces which can be turned by the shaft to engage the longitudinal separators.

' 'In order that ice blocks may be removed successively from the tray rather than concurrently, adjacent cams 49 are preferably displaced successively 90 with respect to each other. Thus the right-hand cam 49 is arranged as illustrated by the solid lines in Fig. 12, the next cam is arranged with the teeth directed toward the left, as shown by one set of dotted lines in Fig. 12, the third cam is arranged with the teeth directed upwardly as shown by another set of dotted lines in Fig. 12, and so on. If desired, of course, all the cams may be arranged with the teeth in the same direction so that the concurrent release of ice blocks may be effected or, by way of example, half of the cams may be arranged in "angular alignment and the remainder displaced --l80.

In order to maintain the longitudinal separators 4a ina Vertical pOsitionandto return the sep arators to the vertical position after they have been shifted for release of ice blocks, a longitue d inally extending resilient member or spring clipv the side teeth 48 of the longitudinal separators v 4a and is provided with slots 55 in order to permit assembly about the transverse separators 3a, In order to support the spring clip 52 the operating arm 45a is arranged beneath one end of the spring clip and a stationary supporting member 56, whichis similar in shape to the arm 45a, is arranged beneath the opposite end of the spring clip, the supporting member 55 being mounted on the shaft 5-. Thespr ing clip may be positively secured to the supporting member 56, as by brazing, to fix the clip in position, but it merely rests on the arm 45a in order to permit the necessary movement of the arm for releasing the partition assembly from the tray. In order to furnish additional stability the arm 45a and the supporting member 56 are provided with ears 51, which in the assembled position extend outwardly above the rim of the tray.

A handle 58 is provided for engagement with the shaft 46 in order to facilitate the turning of the shaft for releasing ice blocks. Although the handle has been illustrated fixed to the shaft it may, if desired, be arranged in detachable removable engagement with the shaft so that a single handle may be used with several trays.

The relation of the various parts during the ice releasing operation is illustrated in Fig. 13.

When it is desired to release ice blocks the handle 58 is turned. In Fig. 13 the handle has been turned in a clockwise direction carrying with it the cam 49 illustrated in this figure. As the cam 49 moves in a clockwise direction the tooth 59 presses against the central tooth 48 of the adjacent longitudinal separator 4a and causes the separator to move in a counterclockwise direction about its shaft 5. This relative movement between the longitudinal separator and the adjacent stationary transverse separators and tray breaks loose the ice block adjacent the right hand side of the longitudinal separator 4a. Continued movement of the cam 49 causes a further counterclockwise movement of the longitudinal separator, thereby moving the ice block outwardly and upwardly for removal from the tray in a manner similar to that described in connection with the modifications shown in Figs. 1 through 9. As the longitudinal separator is moved in the manner described the inwardly extending lip '53 of the spring clip 52 is forced from the solid line position to the dotted line position, and this clip will then efiect a'positive return of the longitudinal separator to its vertical position when the handle is returned to its original position or when the cam tooth 50 is turned beyond the teeth '48 on the longitudinal separator. Should the longitudinal separator fail to return under the action of the spring clip, it may be positively returned by engagement of the cam 49 with one of the half teeth 48. Thus should the longitudinal separator remain in the position indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 13 a reversal of the rotation of the cam 49 first causes the tooth 50 to engage the right-hand half tooth 48 to return the longitudinal separator to. its vertical position. Further movement of the cam in the counterclockwise direction then brings the tooth 5| into engagement withthe central tooth 48 of the longitudinal separator to effect release of the lefthand ice block.

It will be noted from Fig. 13 that the teeth 48 of the longitudinal separators and the teeth 50, of the cams are shaped so as to secure the exertion of the maximum force on the longitudinal separators during the initial movement of the cam when the greatest force is required for release of the ice block, and to give a maximum travel of the longitudinal separator after the ice block has been broken loose and is merely being moved outwardly and upwardly for removal from the tray. Thus when thehandle is first turned for breaking loose the ice block the force is exerted between the cam and thelongitudinal separator at the point fiil, which gives a substantial lever arm between the center of the shaft 5 and the point 59. As the turning movement progresses the point of contact between the tooth 50 and the tooth 48 approaches closer to the center of the shaft 5, and the lever arm is correspondingly reduced to increase the travel of the longitudinal separator. Thisarrangement, therefore, combines the exertion of a substantial force during the initial movement of the handle when it is required for the breaking loose of ice blocks with an increased travel of the longitudinal separator during the final movement of the handle when such increased travel is required to move the ice blocks a sufiicient distance outwardly and upwardly for easy removal from the tray and when a substantial force is no longer reeuir'ed. I

As the handle is turned in the clockwisedirection ice blocks will be successively removed from the right-hand side of the tray as Viewed in Fig. 13, each 90 rotation causing the release of an additional ice block. With the cams displaced 90 as previously described, if a partition assembly providing ighti'ce block compartments longitudinally is used, two of the cams will be in the same position and conseque tly two ic'e blocks will be released from the right-hand side or the tray during one operation. It will be apparent, however, that, if it is desired to limit the release to one fee block at a time, the cams may be 'arranged with a 45 'displa cement with respect to each other so that only one will be effective at a time to release an ice block. To release the ice blocks located on the left-hand side ofthe tray the handle 58 is turned in a counterclockwise direction and the reverse movement of the longitudinal separators takes place. Alternatively, if the handle is arranged for removable engagement with the shaft, it may be shifted to the opposite end of the shaft and clockwise movement of the handle employed to release the remaining ice blocks.

A further modification is illustrated in Figs. 14 through 18, and parts corresponding to those previously described have been designated by the same numerals. In this alternative form the swinging of the longitudinal separators for the release of ice blocks is accomplished by a crank- 'shaft positioned substantially parallel to the shaft on which the separators are mounted, and

" the crank arms are positioned for successively engaging the longitudinal separators as the crankshaft is turned.

Transverse separators or partition elements to and longitudinal separators of partition elements 4b are alternately assembled on a shaft 5 to form a partition assembly. The shaft is mounted in indentations or recesses Ea formed in a tray in the manner described in connection with the modification shown in Figs. 6 through 9. In order toremovably retain the shaft and the partition assembly in the tray a resilient member or spring clip 50 is provided, this memberincluding retainers SI, 52 which are arranged to cover the top openings of the recess 5a. Although both recesses ta have been shown open at the top it will be apparent that only one recess need be so formed. In order to permit assembly aboutthe transverse separators the spring clip 60 is provided with slotssimilar to the slots 55in spring clip 52. In order to swing the longitudinal separators for effecting release of ice blocks from the tray, a crank shaft 63 having a plurality of crank arms 64 is mounted above the shaft 5 and extends in parallel relation thereto. The shaft is supported within suitable openings provided in the transverse separators 3a. A handle 65 is provided for turning the crank shaft 63. The handle may be rigidly secured to an, end of the crank shaft 63, if desired, but preferably it is made detachable so that one handle may be used with several trays. Both ends of the shaft are provided with flat portions 66, and an opening of similar cross section is provided in the cooperating portion of the handle 65. In thisway the handlemay be placed in engagement with either end of the crank shaft 63. Although a crank type handle has been illustrated, it will be apparent that a handle similar to that shown in Figs. 10-13 may be used.

Referring now to Fig. 17, each of the transverse separators 3a is provided with an openingfor assembly on the shaft 5 and with a second opening above the first'within which second opening the crank shaft 53 is mounted. Each of the longitudinal separators 4b includes a downwardly extending partition or wall portion or. Each of the longitudinal separators further includes an upwardly extending projection or boss to which is arranged for engagement by the crank arms 6 In order to retain the longitudinal separators do in a vertical position and to return the separators to this position after they havebeen displaced during the ice releasing operation the resilient member 6|] is provided with inwardly extending lips 69, Ill, which are arranged to engage the boss 68 on each of the longitudinal separators.

The relation of the various parts during the ice releasing operation is illustrated in Fig. 18. When release of ice blocks is desired the handle 65 is turned in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In Fig. 18 the solid line illustrates the position of one of the crank arms 64 after the handle, and hence the crank shaft, have been turned in a clockwise direction. The crank arm 64 presses against the boss 68 of the adjacent longitudinal separator and forces the boss to the left causing a counterclockwise movement of the longitudinal separator from the dotted line position to the solid line position. The initial movement of the longitudinal separator breaks loose the right-hand block adjacent the longitudinal separator and further movement shifts the block outwardly and upwardly for removal from the tray in the manner described in connection with previous modifications. During this movement of the longitudinal separator the lip lil of the resilient member 60 adjacent the longitudinal separator is moved from the dotted line position to the solid line position. When the handle is returned to its original position or when the crank armlifl passes beyond the boss 58 the resilience of the lip 10 forces the longitudinal separator back to its vertical position. Further movement I cfthe handle in a cl'ockwisedirection' brings successive crank arms 64 into engagement with their corresponding longitudinal separators and ultiuriat'ely effects release of all of the ice blocks along the right-hand side of the tray, as viewed in Fig. -18. To release the ice blocks on the left-hand side of the tray the handle is moved in a counterclockwise direction or, if desired, the handle may be shifted to the opposite end of the crank shaft Stand again turned in a clockwise direction.

In Figs. 14 through 18 the crank shaft has been illustrated with its successive crank arms displaced 90" with respectto each other. Should afreezing tray with a partition assembly having --space foreight blocks longitudinally be employed, this arrangementof the crank arms would cause two of the crank arms to simultaneously engage -their adjacent longitudinal separators, and ac- '-cordingly two ice blocks would be released simultaneously. If it is desired to limit the release to a single ice block the successive crank arms could, of course, be displaced 45 with respect to each other, so that only one crank arm at a time would engage its respective longitudinal separator. Conversely, if it be desired to release more than two ice blocks at atime the successive crank arms could be displaced, for example, 180 with respect to each other. While I have illustrated and described particular embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent that my invention is not limited to the details of construction shown, and described, and I intend by the appended claims to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In combination, a freezing tray and a partition assembly therefor, said assembly comprising a' plurality of transverse partition elements spaced longitudinally along said tray and longitudinal partition elements extending between said transverse elements, means for retaining said transverse and longitudinal elements in assembled relation and for affording swinging movement of said longitudinal elements about longitudinal axes above the level of ice in said tray, and a handle slidable longitudinally of said tray for swinging said longitudinal elements individually to release ice blocks adjacent thereto.

2. In combination with a freezing tray, a partition assembly adapted to form walls of a plurality of ice block compartments, said assembly including a shaft extending longitudinally of said tray, a plurality of transverse partition elements mounted on said shaft and forming walls "of said ice block compartments, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements mounted on said shaft and forming walls of said iceblock compartments, said longitudinal partition elements being arranged for swinging movement about said shaft, and a handle slidable longitudinally of said tray for swinging said longitudinal partition elements to break the frozen bond between said walls and the ice blocks.

3. In combination with a freezing tray, a partition assembly adapted to form walls of a plurality of ice block compartments, said assembly including a shaft extending longitudinally of said tray, a plurality of transverse partition ele-,

inents mounted on said shaft and forming walls -.of; said ice block compartments, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements mounted onxsaid shaft and forming walls Inf-said ice block compartments, said longitudinal partition elements selected partition element.

being-arranged for. swinging. movement about said shaft, and means for swinging any selected one of said longitudinal partition elements torelease at least one of the ice blocks adjacent the 'of said tray and extending longitudinally thereof,a plurality of transverse partition elements mounted on said shaft in spaced relationship and extending downwardly from said shaft to form walls of said ice block compartments, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements mounted on said shaft and extending downwardly therefrom to form walls of said ice block compartments, said longitudinal partition elements being arranged for swinging: movement about said shaft, and a handle slidable longitudinally of said tray for moving said longitudinal partition elements to break the frozen bond between said walls and the ice blocks.

5. In combination with a freezing tray, apartition assembly adapted to form walls of a plurality of ice block compartments, said assembly including a shaft extending longitudinally of said tray, a plurality of transverse partition elements mounted on said shaft and forming walls of said ice block compartments, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements mounted for swinging movement on said shaft and forming walls of said ice block compartments, said longitudinal partition elements including aligned guides, and

a handle arranged for sliding movement along said guides for positioning in engagement with any selected one of said longitudinal partition elements, said handle being arranged for swinging the selected longitudinal partition element to release at least one of the ice blocks located ad acent said partition element.

6. In combination with a freezing tray, a partition, assembly adapted to form walls of a plurality of ice block compartments, said assembly including a shaft extending longitudinally of said tray, a plurality of transverse partition'elemerits mounted on said shaft and forming walls of said ice block compartments, a, plurality of longitudinal partition elements mounted for swinging movement on said shaft and forming ,walls of said ice block compartments, said longitudinal partition elements including aligned guides, a handle assembly for effecting release of ice blocks, said handle assembly including a slidable element movable along said guides for positioning in engagement with any selected one of said longitudinal partition elements, and a handle pivoted on said slidable element for movement from a position substantially parallel to said shaft to a second position substantially perpendicular to said shaft, said handle being adapted when in said second position for movement in a plane transverse of said tray whereby a swinging movement of said handle impartsia corresponding movement to said one of said longitudinal partition elements for effecting release of at least one of the ice blocks adjacent the selected longitudinal partition element. 7. In combination with a freezing tray, a partition assembly adapted to form walls of a plurality of ice block compartments, said assembly including a shaft extending longitudinally of said tray, a plurality of transverse partition elements mounted on said shaft and forming walls .of said ice block compartments, said transverse partition elements being held stationary when said partition assembly is mounted in said tray, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements mounted on said shaft and forming walls of said ice block compartments, said longitudinal partition elements being arranged for swinging movement about said shaft, and means for swinging any selected longitudinal partition element whereby the movement of said selected longitudinal partition element relative to adjacent transverse partition elements eifects release of at least one of the ice blocks adjacent the selected longitudinal partition element.

8. In combination with a freezing tray, a partition assembly adapted to form walls of a plurality of ice block compartments, said assembly including a shaft extending longitudinally of said tray, a plurality of transverse partition elements mounted on said shaft and extending downwardly therefrom to form walls of said ice block compartments, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements mounted on said shaft and extending downwardly therefrom to form Walls of said ice block compartments, each of said longitudinal partition elements including a portion extending above the axis of said shaft and provided with laterally extending lips, and a handle including inwardly extending lips arranged to engage said laterally extending lips, said handle being arranged for swinging said longitudinal partition elements to break the frozen bond between said walls and the ice blocks.

9. In combination with a freezing tray, a partition assembly adapted to form walls of a plurality of ice block compartments, said assembly including a shaft extending longitudinally of said tray, a plurality of transverse partition elements mounted on said shaft and forming walls of said ice block compartments, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements mounted for swinging movement on said shaft and forming walls of said ice block compartments, said tray including indentations for receiving said shaft, and a resilient element extending longitudinally of said tray and engaging said longitudinal partition elements to maintain said longitudinal partition elements in alignment, said resilient element including a retaining portion removably mounted on said tray for covering at least one of said indentations to maintain said partition assembly in position within said tray.

10. A partition assembly for freezing trays comprising a plurality of spaced parallel transverse partition elements, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements intermediate said transverse partition elements and substantially perpendicular thereto, means for retaining said partition elements in assembled relation and for affording swinging movement of said longitudinal elements about longitudinal axes in the upper portion of the partition assembly, and a handle slidable along said longitudinal partition elements for swinging said longitudinal elements.

11. A partition assembly for freezing trays comprising a plurality of spaced parallel transverse partition elements, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements intermediate said transverse partition elements and substantially perpendicular thereto, a longitudinally-extending shaft for retaining said partition elements in assembled relation and for affording swinging movement of said longitudinal elements about said shaft, and means for swinging any selected one of said longitudinal elements.

12. A partition assembly for freezing trays comprising a plurality of spaced parallel transverse partition elements, a plurality of longitudinal partition elements intermediate said transverse partition elements and substantially perpendicular thereto, means for retaining said partition elements in assembled relation and for affordin swinging movement of said longitudinal elements about longitudinal axes, said longitudinal elements including aligned guides, and a handle arranged for sliding movement along said guides for positioning in engagement with any selected one of said longitudinal elements, said handle being arranged for swinging the selected longitudinal element.

ROBERT R. HOBSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,435,802 Smith Feb. 10, 1948 

